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Aston Villa have been linked with Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez recently and Pete O’Rourke has shared his thoughts on the potential signing for Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the word?

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said:

“I think Gomez would be a decent signing for Aston Villa. Villa have made a couple of good signings this summer already. Boubacar Kamara, again like Gomez is a versatile performer can play in defence and midfield.

“It just looks like Steven Gerrard is looking for those players who can maybe fill in a couple of positions. It will add more options to his squad and his team selections going forward into the new Premier League season. Gomez would definitely fit that bill as well.”

Gerrard would love him

Gomez seriously impressed with his performances for Anderlecht last season and his versatility marks him out as someone that Gerrard would surely love to have in his squad last season.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace made 39 appearances in the Belgian top-flight, contributing an impressive six goals and 11 assists, averaging an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Villa have already sold Matt Targett to Newcastle United this summer and, at 21, Gomez could be the perfect man to compete with Lucas Digne for the starting left-back role in Gerrard’s squad.

Unsurprisingly, as someone who spent several years in Barcelona’s notorious La Masia academy, Gomez is also capable of playing in midfield and attack, and was once even dubbed as the “heir to Iniesta” by journalist Ronan Murphy.

WhoScored claims that Gomez has a lot of strengths to his game, including passing, holding onto the ball, concentration and direct free-kicks, which suggests that he could add a lot of technical prowess to Gerrard’s side this summer.

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With Transfermarkt valuing the youngster at just £9m, Gomez could prove to be a bargain signing this summer and given his obvious ability, potential and versatility, he is surely a player that Gerrard would love to have in his squad, so Johan Lange should do his best to bring him in.

And, in other news… Romano drops big transfer update on Gerrard favourite, Villa supporters will be gutted

Aston Villa were credited with an interest in Lille striker Jonathan David earlier in the summer transfer window, and the Canada international would represent a big upgrade on Danny Ings in Steven Gerrard’s side.

It was suggested that both West Ham and Villa were interested in signing the forward this summer, while the Premier League was touted as his next destination after successful spells in France and Belgium.

The 22-year-old is highly regarded in world football and enjoyed another impressive season with Lille in 2021/22, scoring 15 goals in 38 Ligue 1 appearances for Les Dogues.

By contrast, goals were hard to come by for Ings following his £25m switch from Southampton last summer, as he managed just seven in 30 Premier League appearances.

The Englishman also averaged fewer shots, dribbles and key passes per game than David, which suggests that the 22-year-old has the edge on the former Liverpool man in terms of all-round play.

While the Canadian would represent a fairly expensive option for Gerrard, with reports suggesting that he would cost £42.5m, he is seven years younger than Ings and appears to have a much higher ceiling, so he could really add some attacking quality to the Villans ahead of the new season.

During David’s time with Gent, for whom he racked up 37 goals and 15 assists in just 82 appearances, manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck was full of praise for him, saying: “He is a phenomenon. The best player in the country.”

The young striker has managed to maintain a similar scoring rate during his time in France, hitting 32 goals in 95 appearances for Les Dogues, helping them to win the French title in the 2020/21 season.

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Therefore, there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a success in the Premier League next season, and he appears to be a significant upgrade on Ings, both in the short run and the long-term.

If a deal for the young Canada striker can be done, then Johan Lange should definitely try and bring him to Villa Park.

AND in other news: Lange can seal a new “world-class” talent as Villa close in on fifth summer signing

Celtic have discovered the asking price required to sign Argentinos Juniors midfielder Fausto Vera this summer, according to a report from Brazilian outlet Lance.

The lowdown: Hoops interested

Following initial tentative links from South America citing the Hoops as potential suitors for Vera, journalist Fraser Fletcher took to Twitter to confirm the admiration from the Glasgow giants.

Unfortunately for the Bhoys’ chances, there is also interest forthcoming from Belgian side Genk and Brazilian outfit Corinthians, as the 22-year-old Argentina youth international suddenly looks like hot property.

Amidst the battle to land the combative midfielder, a fresh report from Brazil has now shed some light on what it may cost in order to prize Vera away…

The latest: Price revealed

As per Lance, Argentinos Juniors ‘want’ at least €6.5million (£5.5million) for the eight-cap Argentina Under 23 starlet.

It’s claimed that the Argentine Primera Division club have already rejected bids from Genk and Corinthians of around €4million (£3.4million) during the ongoing transfer window.

The report also suggests that the two other suitors could return with improved offers for the playmaker, who has recently taken his game to ‘another level’ according to football writer Chaka Simbeye.

The verdict: Pay up

In the final 12 months of a contract in his homeland (Transfermarkt), the mooted asking price is already reflective of a need to cash in on the talented youngster and Celtic should waste no time in meeting the demands.

Predominantly operating as a defensive-minded midfielder during the 2021/22 campaign, Vera scored four times and provided three assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, earning an outstanding 7.13 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.1 duels, completing 1.0 dribble and making 1.4 interceptions on average per Argentinian top-flight outing.

That stellar form, combined with still possessing the room to develop further, makes the young ace a superb potential addition to Ange Postecoglou’s ranks as a replacement for Nir Bitton.

This is a deal that the Parkhead hierarchy should be doing everything in their power to make a reality.

An update has emerged on Sunderland target Cameron Archer during the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are set to make a decision on the gem’s immediate future as they weigh up what to do with him in the 2022/23 campaign.

Keeping him as part of Steven Gerrard’s squad to play a back up role has not been ruled out but he may depart Villa Park on a temporary basis.

The Black Cats are reportedly one of the teams vying to land him on loan, with a host of Championship clubs set to battle it out for his signature if his club allow him to leave.

Nathan Broadhead 2.0

Sunderland won promotion out of League One last season and one of their most impressive players throughout the campaign was on-loan forward Nathan Broadhead.

The Welshman, who joined from Everton last summer, scored a whopping ten goals in 15 starts in the third tier as he showcased his immense quality in front of goal at that level.

In Archer, Kristjaan Speakman can land the club’s next successful loanee from a Premier League side. The talented young attacker has the potential to make a huge impact in the Championship next season after a promising first full year in professional football.

Journalist Ryan Taylor previously dubbed the £2.4k-per-week gem a “goal machine” and his record throughout 2021/22 backs that comment up.

In the first half of the campaign, the 20-year-old scored ten times and provided two assists in six starts across the EFL Trophy and the EFL Cup, whilst also making three substitute appearances in the Premier League.

This earned him a loan move to Preston in the second tier and he went on to score seven goals and provide one assist in 18 starts. He ended the season with 17 goals and three assists in 24 starts for Villa and North End combined.

These statistics show that he is a natural goalscorer and someone who could add a much-needed threat at the top end of the pitch for Sunderland.

Now that Broadhead has returned to Everton, Ross Stewart is the only player in the squad who hit double figures (26) for goals in League One. The Scotland international is also one of only two players who scored more than four league goals, along with Elliot Embleton (nine).

This suggests that Alex Neil lacks reliable options in the final third and that is where Archer could come in to be Broadhead 2.0 next season if Villa decides to send him out on loan.

AND in other news, Dreyfus can secure Neil his next Stewart with SAFC swoop for “incredible £15k-p/w gem…

Arsenal target and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans is ‘ready and available’ to sign, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: ‘Top target’

Recently, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that the Gunners had made Tielemans, valued at £25m, the ‘top target’ this summer as Mikel Arteta and Edu attempt to strengthen the squad at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite the strong interest, there has been little in the way of progress when it comes to a swoop for the 25-year-old Belgium international and instead, moves for the likes of Arthur Melo and Lucas Paqueta appear to be further down the line.

Following a report from talkSPORT claiming that the north Londoners were holding off on making a bid due to concerns over Tielemans’ physicality, one knowledgeable transfer expert has shed some light on the situation…

The latest: ‘Ready and available’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – who writes for Eurosport – claimed that there could be more to the lack of activity for the 52-cap star than meets the eye.

He said: “Tielemans has been sat there ready and available for weeks and weeks now.

“And they’ve even had negotiations on what it would take to sign him, the kind of agreement that would need to be in place. Arsenal know that and can do that.

“The fact they haven’t done it does raise some doubt in my mind over quite whether he is the player they still want. So I would edge towards Paqueta at this stage.”

The verdict: What’s the hold up?

Considering the sheer amount of noise that has perennially linked Arsenal to Tielemans, it seems strange that no official move has been forthcoming.

However, reputable Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano recently refuted the apparent fitness issue, claiming that there were no such concerns from the Gunners’ perspective.

Last season, Tielemans – who would ‘walk into any midfield in England and elevate it’ according to Sunday Times football correspondent Jonathan Northcroft – directly contributed to 12 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for Leicester, missing just six matches due to a calf problem and completing 90 minutes on 39 occasions.

That durability and indeed form would suggest that there aren’t any glaring issues when it comes to the prolonged availability of the cultured £49.5million valued Belgian and therefore the current reluctance to strike a deal could well be down to a matter of preference from Edu and co.

Birmingham City are ‘adamant’ that Leeds United target George Hall will stay put, according to Birmingham Live journalist Brian Dick. 

The lowdown

The Daily Mail (via MOT Leeds News) reported earlier this summer (June 1) that Leeds want to sign Hall as Victor Orta continues his quest to add talent to the youth teams at Thorp Arch.

A £1million bid for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play in a deeper role or on the right, was said to be in the works.

Hall is represented by Sturridge Sports Management, whose clients also include Leeds’ Tyler Roberts (currently on loan at QPR).

There’s currently a degree of uncertainty around Birmingham, with a proposed takeover being held up amid a lack of clarity over their ownership structure (via The Athletic).

The latest

Dick writes that ‘avaricious eyes will be watching’ Hall ahead of what may be a breakout campaign with the Blues.

‘Leeds are known to be interested’, he confirms, but Birmingham have made it clear that they will ‘rebuff any interest’ in the starlet this summer.

After all, it was only last season that he signed his first professional deal with the club.

Leeds have already missed out on Charles de Ketelaere, and it looks like this is another target down.

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The verdict

You can understand why Leeds remain interested in Hall two months on from the initial report.

He made two appearances for Birmingham’s first team last season as a 17-year-old, and that’s an impressive feat.

They weren’t exactly stoppage-time run-outs either: he completed 85 minutes against QPR in January and notched another 31 on the final day of the season against Blackburn.

Perhaps most impressively of all, he’s earned international recognition, featuring eight times for England at Under-18 level.

Dick describes Hall as ‘mobile’, ‘inventive’ and ‘composed’, while one of his coaches has billed him as ‘explosive’ and ‘dynamic’.

And Dick also notes that Hall is the latest off a midfield product line at St Andrew’s that has already produced Jude Bellingham. That track record may factor into Leeds’ thinking, but they’ll likely now have to wait until 2023 to try and get this one done.

Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Destiny Ugodie as their seventh signing of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist revealed that Spurs had opened talks with Udinese over the 19-year-old wing-back earlier this week and now he has provided a further update on the situation.

“Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are both admirers of Destiny Udogie. The negotiations are progressing well as Udinese want to keep Udogie on loan until June 2023,” he tweeted.

“Tottenham are working on it, as reported yesterday.”

The Telegraph believe the Italy U21 international is likely to cost in the region of £21m. They also claim that sources in Italy believe the transfer is very close to being complete.

Exciting talent

It’s thought that Ivan Perisic, 33, is manager Antonio Conte’s first choice left wing-back heading into the new Premier League campaign, with Ryan Sessegnon his likely backup. That’s because it appears that Sergio Reguilon is available for transfer and has little part to play under the Italian.

Therefore, this signing very much seems like it’s one for the future, especially considering that Spurs are prepared to loan him back for the season, just as they did with Pape Matar Sarr last summer.

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If he arrives in north London before deadline day on September 1st, then he’ll follow the Croatian, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Fraser Forster as sporting director Fabio Paratici backs his manager.

Ugodie is certainly an exciting talent and one capable of providing a goal threat from the left flank.

Last season in the Serie A, the teenager provided the Bianconeri with eight goal contributions from 35 appearances but did so without causing any detriment to his defensive duties. He also ranked within the top 9% of his positional peers across Europe for tackles won (1.91 per 90), via FBref.

The Italian has been described as an “accurate and tenacious tackler”, as well as “the future” of the national team, by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Meanwhile, his former manager Gabriele Cioffi once lauded him as “extraordinary.”

Spurs would also be beating the likes of Brighton and Manchester City to his signature, so Paratici could seal another great move here.

On the above evidence, it’s clear that the young Udinese gem is one for the future and whilst it may be a while before we get to witness him in Tottenham colours, there is certainly reason to be excited.

He seems likely to become their seventh signing of a rather successful summer window.

AND in other news, Spurs have “unplayable” £10m ace “on their list”, could be bye-bye “shaky” Jose Mourinho flop…

Aston Villa could well be set to offer Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele a Premier League lifeline…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke – who was speaking to Football Transfer Tavern – the Midlands club could well make a move for the 25-year-old before the end of the transfer window, having previously enquired about a deal for the seven-cap Frenchman in January.

Asked whether Villa could go back in for the former Lyon man in the coming weeks, the transfer insider stated: “Yeah he’s obviously on the list of Villa if they did enquire about him in January.

“He’s obviously a player that they think could come in and do a job for Aston Villa. We all know he doesn’t figure in Tottenham plans going forward. He’s one of the players on the fringes that Antonio Conte is willing to move on. So, if there’s a deal to be done there that would suit Aston Villa and Tottenham, there’s a real possibility that Ndombele could end up there.”

Despite having already brought in Boubacar Kamara this summer, the suggestion is that Villa manager Steven Gerrard is on the lookout for a new midfield addition.

Could be an “incredible” coup

Once described as an “incredible coup” for Spurs when they landed the 5 foot 11 menace three years ago, it would seemingly be a similar story if Villa are able to get a deal over the line before the September 1st deadline, with Ndombele a possible marquee arrival in the Midlands.

Although the £27m-rated midfielder has flattered to deceive during his time in north London thus far after failing to impress a string of managers, it is hard to question the obvious talent of the playmaker, despite his apparent lack of application in recent times.

Previously plucked by the Lilywhites for a hefty £63m, that was a marker of just how highly the £120k-per-week sensation was rated at the time, with it foolish to assume that he can have become a bad player overnight despite his recent struggles.

Even during that slump, the 25-year-old still caught the eye of former Spurs teammate Gareth Bale, with the Welshman suggesting that the playmaker was somewhat reminiscent of Brazilian icon Ronaldinho due to his “mind-blowing” quality with the ball at his feet.

That is high praise indeed considering the former Barcelona man’s legendary status in the game, although such a comparison is an indicator of the overwhelming natural talent that Ndombele does possess.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice has also recently lauded the maestro’s talents, suggesting that the Frenchman is one of the “toughest” opponents that he has faced, while also dubbing him a “street footballer” for his stunning trickery and calmness in possession.

That has also been demonstrated by Ndombele’s encouraging upturn in form following his loan return to France in the second half of last season, with the fleet-footed powerhouse notably providing two assists and averaging 2.3 tackles per game in his 11 Ligue 1 outings, showcasing both his creative flair and his ball-winning ability.

A player who can simply glide through the midfield with ease, he also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues with regards to his ball-playing talents, notably ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed and the top 4% for progressive carries.

If Gerrard is able to harness that undoubted brilliance and help fashion a more consistent and reliable figure this season, then it could well prove a huge coup if Villa are to add Ndombele to their ranks this summer.

Fulham could be set to sign a former Premier League star…

What’s the word?

According to GOAL, former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian is prepared to leave Corinthians and return to Europe.

Fulham are reportedly the 34-year-old’s most likely destination at this moment as Marco Silva hopes to add some much-needed Premier League experience to his ranks

The Brazilian wants to leave his home country following a string of recent attacks on social media, and fears for his family’s safety if he was to stay. 

He can be a great signing

Showing no signs of slowing down at the tender age of 34, he still managed to play 36 times last season for Corinthians.

Silva must believe that the winger can come in and make a difference, hopefully recapturing glimpses of the form he showed in his first stint in the league.

In his final season with Arsenal, during the 2020/21 season, he still managed a respectable six goal contributions in a Gunners side that whimpered to an eighth-place finish.

In fact, just the season before that he managed an astounding 18 goal contributions across both domestic and Champions League games, living up to his label of a “brilliant” footballer.

There is no doubting he would have plenty to offer the Cottagers, especially given the recent injury to loanee Manor Solomon.

Due to his age, he would not demand huge play time, but would certainly be a useful deputy or option off the bench.

He has also clearly kept his skill level high over the most recent campaign, achieving a respectable 7.16 average SofaScore rating, third best amongst his teammates.

The £29k-per-week ace who was once dubbed “immense” by Frank Lampard could certainly bring the excitement to Craven Cottage, adding a level of experience – 258 Premier League appearances – unlike anything already in Silva’s changing room.

For likely a minuscule fee and wages that will not break the bank, Fulham could do much worse than to sign a seasoned veteran of the league with all the capability to light it up once more. He could just be an immense acquisition for a team requiring more Premier League-ready quality.

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a claim concerning reported Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner.

What’s been said?

Speaking recently to Football FanCast, the journalist stated his belief that, following a number of reports linking Jesse Marsch with a $3m (£2.5m) move for the Philadelphia Union left-back this summer, the American manager will indeed be well aware of the 25-year-old due to his contacts in the MLS.

Regarding the Whites’ interest in the defender, O’Rourke said: “I’m sure he’s a player that Jesse Marsch is well aware of. With his MLS contacts, I’m sure he’s been keeping tabs on Wagner during his time at Philadelphia Union. I’m sure he’s been getting glowing reports on him from his other MLS contacts.”

Perfect for Leeds

Considering just how impressive Wagner has been in America so far this season, in addition to the fact that left-back is well-known to be a position in Marsch’s squad that requires greater depth, the argument that the German full-back would be something of a perfect signing for Leeds is an easy one to make.

With Junior Firpo having underwhelmed during his debut campaign with the Whites last season – averaging a SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 over his 24 league outings, ranking him as Leeds’ seventh-worst player in the league last time out – as well as the 25-year-old currently being sidelined due to injury, Marsch has been left with no natural left-back for the first two fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign.

And, with Wagner having very much caught the eye for Philadelphia so far in 2022, coupled with the fact that he could be available for an extremely reasonable £2.5m fee, a move for the 25-year-old would appear to be something of a no-brainer prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, over his 26 MLS appearances so far this season, the £2.7m-rated talent has been in spectacular form, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.9 clearances and winning 3.5 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per game.

The defender has also impressed going forwards, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.6 key passes – the joint ninth-most in the league – 4.1 long balls and 3.0 crosses per fixture.

These returns have seen the full-back who MLS insider Tom Bogert dubbed “elite” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the division.

As such, should Marsch believe that Wagner could replicate this form following a switch to Elland Road in the coming weeks, it would indeed appear as if the German’s signing should be something of a priority over the remainder of the summer transfer window – especially for a fee of just £2.5m – as the left-back would be a perfect fit for what Leeds require.